After more than a year of assurances from North East Lincolnshire Council regarding a ‘Successful Food Poverty Action Plan,’ a recent report has revealed that no such formal plan ever existed.
In March 2023, Liberal Democrat Councillors called on North East Lincolnshire Council to tackle food poverty across the borough. This prompted a report on ‘community food provisions’, which was originally set to be presented within six months, but was delayed for a year.
During this waiting period, it was revealed that almost a third of North East Lincolnshire children are living in poverty. According to the Department for Work and Pensions data, there were 9,039 children in North East Lincolnshire living in households with relative low income in 2022/23.
A report eventually presented in March 2024 by the Conservative portfolio holder for safer, stronger communities, committed the council to continue with their alleged ‘successful Food Poverty Action Plan’. However, Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Nicola Aisthorpe, refuted the claim, asserting that a formal action plan did not exist.
On Thursday 18th July 2024, the March report was withdrawn and a new one wa presented to full council. This new report stated there was a 'misunderstanding' in the last report, revealing that the council does not have a written Food Poverty Action Plan and was relying on purely verbal arrangements.
In response to the report, Councillor Aisthorpe moved an amendment for the Council to development a comprehensive Food Poverty Action Plan, which received unanimous support from all parties.
The plan will be reviewed by Councillors, cross party, on the Communities and Health Scrutiny Panels to ensure thorough review, implementation and monitoring.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Nicola Aisthorpe said, "It is deeply troubling that this misunderstanding, which has lasted for over a year, has not only wasted valuable time, but also delayed direct actions in providing timely and effective support to those in need.
“A written food poverty action plan is essential in tackling poverty. It is unacceptable for the Council to claim that a ‘verbal plan’ and some informal work done on the issue is sufficient to address this crisis.
“Without a clear, documented, and evidence-based plan, how can we monitor the effectiveness of work done, identify gaps in provision and support, or ensure the actions taken are even reaching the people who need it most?
“I am delighted that all parties have finally united and agreed to work together on this critical issue. It is important to remember that behind the term 'poverty’, are real people in our area who are forced to choose between essentials like food and heating, and hundreds of parents who regularly skip meals to provide necessities for their children.
The Liberal Democrat amendment also required the Portfolio Holder to contact the area's two local MPs to lobby on behalf of the Council for a further extension of the Household Support Fund, or a sustainable successor source.
The Household Support Fund, distributed by central Government, has been a vital lifeline for many people struggling with rising costs, but the fund is set to end on 30th September 2024.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Loyd Emmerson seconded the amendment. He said, “I am pleased that the truth has finally come to light and valuable plan of action that we can monitor, is now being formed to help support those most in need in our area.
“Liberal Democrats will continue working hard to hold the council to account and fight to get a fairer deal for our community. We are committed to ensuring that every action taken by the Council is meaningful and that no one in our area is left behind. It is time to act decisively and address food poverty with the urgency and seriousness it demands”.
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